The cabins looked bright and airy, were
sanded and whitewashed, and, surrounded by their neatly attired
inhabitants, presented a picturesque appearance. It was to be a
great gala-day, and the bright morning atmosphere seemed propitious
of the event. Daddy Daniel had got a new set of shiny brass buttons
put on his long blue coat, and an extremely broad white cravat for
his neck. Daniel was a sort of lawgiver for the plantation, and sat
in judgment over all cases brought before him, with great gravity of
manner. As to his judgments, they were always pronounced with
wondrous solemnity, and in accordance with what he conceived to be
the most direct process of administering even-handed justice. Daddy
was neither a democrat nor an unjust judge. Believing that it were
better to forgive than inflict undue punishments, he would rather
shame the transgressor, dismiss him with a firm admonition to do
better, and bid him go, transgress no more!
Harry had prepared a new sermon for the eventful day; and with it he
was to make his happy flock remember the duty which they would
henceforth owe to those who had been their kind protectors, as well
as the promoters of that system which would result in happier days.
How vivid of happiness was that scene presented in the plantation
church, where master and missus, surrounded by their faithful old
slaves, who, with a patriarchal attachment, seemed to view them with
reverence, sat listening to the fervent discourse of that once
wretched slave, now, by kindness, made a man! Deep, soul-stirring,
and affecting to tears, were the words of prayer with which that
devout negro invoked the all-protecting hand of Almighty God, that
he would guide master and slave through the troubles of this earthly
stage, and receive them into his bosom.
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